Yashoda Hospitals > Health Faqs > Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy

What is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the muscles of the heart. This condition makes it difficult to pump blood to the entire body. It can be both an acquired condition or a hereditary condition. Eventually, cardiomyopathy can cause heart failure. 

There are three types of cardiomyopathy:

  1. Dilated cardiomyopathy: The left ventricle of the heart, its main pumping chamber, gets enlarged, which damages its ability to pump out blood from the heart effectively.
  2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: The muscles of the heart are abnormally thickened, especially in the left ventricle. It increases the difficulty in pumping blood. 
  3. Restrictive cardiomyopathy: The size of the muscle remains the same, but it becomes less flexible and stiff. The heart chambers cannot expand to fill the blood during pumping.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Cardiomyopathy

    The main cause of cardiomyopathy is often unknown. A few of the reasons are:
    • Hereditary
    • Long term high blood pressure
    • Infections
    • Hormonal disorders like thyroid problems and diabetes
    • Obesity
    • Iron buildup in the heart
    • Thiamine deficiency
    • Drugs and alcohol
    • Pregnancy

    Intense emotional or physical stress can lead to the weakness of the heart muscle. This condition is called stress cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome. The symptoms of this condition can mimic a heart attack. Many physical and emotional triggers can lead to this.

    Cardiomyopathy can be caused due to many infections. There are various viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, etc. that can cause cardiomyopathy. Viruses are the most common cause of infection in cardiomyopathy.

    The following are the signs and symptoms of cardiomyopathy:
    • Shortness in breath
    • Difficulty in breathing even at rest
    • Difficulty sleeping
    • Swelling of arms and legs
    • Chest tightness
    • Swelling of the abdomen due to fluid buildup
    • Fatigue
    • Dizziness

    The diagnosis of cardiomyopathy includes the combination of the history of symptoms, family history, physical examination, and tests. The following are a few tests used for diagnosis:
    • X-ray
    • CT scan
    • Treadmill stress test
    • MRI
    • Electrocardiogram or ECG
    • Cardiac catheterisation
    • Blood test to check the functioning of liver, kidneys, and thyroid

    Medications are the most common treatment for reducing the symptoms of cardiomyopathy. In some cases, additional types of treatments like non-surgical therapies and surgeries are necessary. The treatment plan depends on the type of the condition and its severity. These procedures can treat damaged heart muscle and irregularities in heart rate.

    It depends on the extent of the injury. Once the heart muscle is damaged, it cannot be cured or reversed. But, the progression of the damage and the symptoms can be stopped. If the condition is diagnosed in the early stages, the symptoms are easily controlled, and the patient can lead a normal life.

    The following are a few ways to prevent cardiomyopathy:
    • Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
    • Regularly check blood pressure
    • Avoid eating high sodium foods and eat healthy food every day
    • Be active and exercise regularly
    • Check cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels
    • Remove yourself from stressful situations
    • Get educated on family history of heart diseases

    Treatment of cardiomyopathy depends on the level of heart function. If the functioning of the heart is abnormal, it requires surgery. It can also reduce severe symptoms. The types of surgeries are ventricular assisting devices, septal myectomy, etc. In case of heart failure, a patient may need a heart transplant.

    The time depends on the type of surgery and the extent of the damage. Septal myectomy can last for three to six hours. Implant surgeries like ventricular-assist devices last for four to six hours. Pacemaker procedure lasts one to two hours. If it is open-heart surgery, then the duration is longer.

    Yes, a moderately intense walk for 20-30 mins every day is good for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A sedentary lifestyle for these patients has a negative effect and can cause obesity, diabetes, hypertension, etc. Therefore a moderately active lifestyle with a specific exercise regimen is recommended.

    References

    1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cardiomyopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20370709
    2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-disease/cardiomyopathy-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatment
    3. https://theheartfoundation.org/2017/04/05/seven-ways-to-keep-your-heart-healthy/
    4. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/broken-heart-syndrome
    5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17461-septal-myectomy

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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